IPL 2021: Coach Stephen Fleming lauds CSK ‘heartbeat’ MS Dhoni

CSK captain MS Dhoni with coach Stephen Fleming (right). File Pic

Mahendra Singh Dhoni's 200th match for Chennai Super Kings was made special after the three-time IPL champions opened their win account on Friday, beating Punjab Kings (PBKS) by six wickets at the Wankhede Stadium.

CSK head coach Stephen Fleming called Dhoni the "heartbeat" of the team. "He [Dhoni] has been absolutely the heartbeat of CSK, there's no doubt about it. Whether it's performances, guidance or leadership…you run out of things to say about him," Fleming said.

Fleming, 48, who played under Dhoni's captaincy for CSK during the inaugural 2008 edition, admired him for his approach. "His longevity also has to be mentioned and appreciated. To play 200 games and still have a desire to do well and perform well is testament to his attitude towards the game and franchise. I think the franchise has grown and MS has grown with it, so it's a very good relationship and great fun," remarked Fleming.

Fleming heaped praise on pacer Deepak Chahar (4-1-13-4), who dismissed Punjab's top four batsmen - Mayank Agarwal (0), Chris Gayle (10), Deepak Hooda (10) and Nicholas Pooran (0) - cheaply.

"I'm really impressed with the way he [Chahar] bounced back after the first game. Without doubt, when Deepak gets a little bit of swing and a little bit of movement, he is one of the finest around," said Fleming.